A scoffing grunt followed her out the door. He’d promised, and she was going to hold him to it.
But for now, she had more pressing concerns. A glance at the clock reminded her that she only had a few hours until she was to go driving with Lord Standish.
Of course, she couldn’t accept his offer. Her father would never forgive her. She’d be banished from their family forever—from her mother, and from Nia.
Even contemplating it felt like a betrayal.
And yet, when she went upstairs, she removed her favorite day gown from the wardrobe and smoothed it out with a damp cloth. While it hung to dry, Goldie then proceeded to put her hair up in a pretty knot.
Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes lit with anticipation.
He had kissed her.
And he might just kiss her again.
* * *
At precisely three o’clock in the afternoon, wearing a pale indigo muslin with blue birds embroidered at the hem, her best gloves, and a pair of practical half-boots, Goldie stood waiting at the entrance of the park as agreed upon.
What if he didn’t come? What if it had all been a joke?
But at three oh one, a hackney pulled up beside her and the earl jumped out. He looked as relieved to see her as she was to see him.
He held out a hand. “Your chariot awaits, my lady.”
It was not a tall gleaming curricle like the one Lord Rupert had squired Nia around in—nor was it even a handsome open barouche. It was a dull black carriage for hire.
Tamping down her disappointment, she nodded and allowed him to assist her inside.
And his touch immediately swept that disappointment away. With sturdy hands, he offered support while she maneuvered the step. Once she was seated, he gracefully hopped in and took the seat beside her.
“I considered one of my cousin’s or uncle’s vehicles,” he said, staring straight ahead as the driver rejoined traffic. “But I didn’t think you’d want to be recognized.”
How careless of her not to have considered that! She’d foolishly been imagining the outing to be a proper one. But there was nothing proper about it in the least.
Not when she’d had to lie to her father about where she would be that day. Any of the Standish vehicles would be easily recognized driving around town. She ought to have considered that but had been too caught up in her excitement. Apparently, she was more naïve than she’d realized.
And he’d guessed her doubts immediately!
“Thank you,” Goldie answered. She glanced down at her hands, where she’d managed to pull off one of her gloves and twist it into a mangled mess. But if they couldn’t risk being seen together, that would eliminate all the usual places gentlemen took ladies while courting them. “What kind of an adventure are you taking me on?”
His glance landed on her gloves, but rather than comment on her nervousness, he said, “Have you ever been to one of the traveling fairs that come through London?”
A traveling fair? Her father would never allow it!
“I have not.”
“Then you’re in for a treat. And you look lovely, by the way. I should have told you that right off, shouldn’t I? I’m not used to this sort of thing. But as I’m sure you know, London is full of gossips even in the off-season. I was mostly concerned with keeping you out of sight.” He cleared his throat. “I’ve no wish to cause you any more trouble than necessary.”
He sounded… contrite, so Goldie shifted to see his expression. “It was my choice to come.” He’d not coerced her in any way.
Not unless one considered kissing a form of coercion. And if that was the case, she wouldn’t mind being coerced a few more times…
He cleared his throat again. “The fairs are entertaining but also raucous. Easy to remain anonymous once you’ve joined the throngs, but if you’re not comfortable with the idea, we can—”
“A fair sounds delightful!” But she glanced down at her gown. “Am I dressed properly, though?”
It wasn’t the sort of question she’d normally ask a gentleman, and the instant his eyes trailed over her bodice, she realized why.
